An abundant and diverse suite of des-A-triterpenoids was identified in samples from the Shahejie Formation of the Laizhouwan Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. This suite includes unsaturated des-A-triterpenes, saturated des-A-triterpanes, des-A-nor-series compounds, and mono-, di-, and tri-aromatic des-A-triterpenoids. Compound-specific carbon isotope data of individual hydrocarbons, combined with their co-occurrence and correlation with oleanane, indicate a terrestrial higher plant origin for des-A-oleanane in the studied samples. Significant differences are observed in the geochemical characteristics and the types/abundance of des-A-triterpenoids among the three sections (A, B, and C) of the third member of the Shahejie Formation (E2s3) from top to bottom. These variations reflect discernible changes in the depositional setting and biological source inputs. Integrating sedimentological evidence with the distribution patterns of des-A-triterpenoids, we propose that the sediments in Section A were deposited in a pro-delta environment. Extensive swamp/marsh environments were likely developed between the lacustrine basin of the Laizhouwan Sag and the adjacent paleo-uplifts (e.g., the Laibei low uplift and the Weibei uplift). High-energy fluvial systems transported substantial amounts of terrigenous higher plant debris from these swamps, providing abundant organic precursors for the formation of des-A-triterpenoids. Furthermore, rapid burial and low thermal maturity (immature stage) are identified as critical factors for the exceptional preservation of these compounds, particularly the less stable des-A-triterpenes, in Section A. In contrast, samples from Sections B and C exhibit a marked decrease in both the diversity and abundance of des-A-triterpenoids. The biomarker composition suggests a reduced contribution from terrestrial higher plants and a corresponding increase in aquatic-derived organic matter. This shift indicates that the fan-delta depositional system prevalent during the deposition of Section A was no longer active. Instead, the environment likely transitioned to a littoral to shallow lacustrine setting during the deposition of these lower sections.
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